Rick Tabakin

As Parkinson’s progresses, and it will, you will be much better off in a one-story home

I have been on the Neupro patch for 3 to 4 yrs.  It works well.  Need to change where you place the patch each day to limit irritation.

I’ve been to a urologist about the frequency and urgency of urination.  He has prescribed meds for this and they do work.

It may have to do with age (I’m in my 70s), but I find that I tend to fall asleep in front of the TV.  I used to watch TV from about 7 -11 PM.  Now I’m awake only about 1/2 of that time – sleeping the other 1/2 on the couch in front of the TV

I’ve been using the Neupro patch in addition to carbidopa/levodopa 25/100 pills for 3+ years.  It works well.  I started with 2 mg, then got raised to 4 mg.  The patch needs to be placed in a different location each day.  If you don’t do this, the skin will become irritated (likely from the adhesive).

Lori:

I started to journal entry about 2 yrs ago.  I found it a means to capture my feelings.  When I was first diagnosed, about 4 yrs ago, I was somewhat in shock.  Where did this come from?  There was no family history of PD.  Then I went through a period of anger – why me?  What did I do to deserve this?  Finally, I reached a period of accept…[Read more]

I don’t think that there is any set schedule for changing meds.  Rather, the doctor determines the extent to which the existing meds are working/not working and any new or continuing issues.  If the meds are doing their job, no changes are likely needed.  If the meds are not working, then the doctor may increase the frequency or dosage, su…[Read more]

No one else in the family (grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, children, nieces, nephews, cousins) has PD – just me.  I’ve been tested for the three genes that correlate to Ashkenazi Jews and have none of them.

Sleeping issues is one of the common symptoms of PD

I will continue to get boosters as they become available.  I think that the Covid vaccine will continue to be modified as new variants arise.

Down the road, I envision an annual Flu/Covid vaccination.

I found myself (a person with PD) getting sleepy in the afternoon.  My doctor changed my prescription regimen and it seems to be helping.

I feel that having a four-legged, fuzzy pet (particularly a dog) is very advantageous to people with PD – PROVIDED THAT YOU ARE NOT ALLERGIC TO THEM.  It forces you to care for another live being.  It forces you to get up and walk it periodically.  It’s also something to love and it returns loving and emotional support many-fold.

At first, I had a tough time accepting the diagnosis.  But, it was pretty clear that I had the symptoms.  Once that info was digested: 1. installed grab bars in the toilet and stall shower (we have a built-in seat in the shower), 2. tried my best to keep active, 3. started speech therapy, 4. started PT with emphasis on balance.  More recently, 5.…[Read more]

Yes, I have PD (diagnosed 3 yrs ago) and experience a lot of cramping. Primarily in the legs. Mostly at night, but sometimes during the day. I try to stay hydrated, but that does not appear to help much. Have to get up and “walk off” the cramp.

My motion disorder doctor has encouraged me to continue playing pickleball, as long as I don’t fall. My playing is getting a bit worse, but appears to be limiting the progression of PD. I also recommend PT at least twice a week.

One of the symptoms of PD is sleep disturbance. I find myself waking up several times a night due to a sleep disturbance (have to urinate or had a disturbing dream). I also can’t sleep beyond 4 or 5 in the morning and often have to take a nap around 4 in the afternoon.

Travelling is more difficult with Parkinson’s. Your body hurts more. If it is cold outside or “over air-conditioned”, my PD tremors are worsened. If my medication is delayed for whateer reason, my tremors are uncontrolled.
That being said, I try to visit family at least twice a year. I take all the precautions I can think of and just deal with…[Read more]

I have back and neck pain. Went to see an orthopedist and had x-rays. Arthritis and spine related issues identified. I thought this was more age related than due to Parkinson’s. PD makes my body stiff and inflexible.

Most men develop urinary frequency issues as they age (say beyond 65 yrs old). My urologist contends this has to do with prostate enlargement. Is there data that indicates Parkinson’s makes this situation worse? What about the urinary frequency issue in women? That might be a lot clearer indication of Parkinson’s impact.

I was officially diagnosed 3 years ago, but looking back I had symptoms at least 2 years before that. It was hard to believe that I had this disease.